Police are investigating a "shocking and wholly despicable" incident involving students and staff from a school in Cambridge.

Headteacher Adrian Kidd confirmed that pupils from Trumpington Community College were involved in a number of alleged assaults which took place at around 3.07pm in Hobson Square, Trumpington, on December 6.

He said staff had to get involved to "halt and protect" students at the school.

In a series of letters sent to concerned parents of pupils at the secondary school, Mr Kidd alleges the incident involved someone who was not related to the school and a Trumpington student who "will no longer be present at the school for the foreseeable future."

He added that the school will remain vigilant and has "strongly requested" a police presence throughout the rest of the week.

Trumpington Community College (Image: David Johnson)

'Some [students] attempted to shield those being assaulted'

He wrote in the email to parents: "The incident took place off-site after dismissal away from the school premises and involved an individual not associated with the school.

"Sadly there were some unprovoked attacks on a number of our students.

"Some attempted to shield those being assaulted.

"Several school staff intervened to attempt to bring this incident to a halt and protect our young people.

"I have made strong requests that Cambridgeshire Police have a clear presence throughout the day.

"A Trumpington student who chose to become negatively involved will not be present at the school for the foreseeable future."

He added: "This is a frankly shocking and wholly despicable incident that has no place in civilised society.

"We are working hard with police to eradicate this influence from our local community."

In another email to parents, Mr Kidd refers to "robust conversations" with police.

He wrote: "I have strongly requested that we have a clear presence to support the school and our local community during the afternoon and throughout the rest of the week.

"I have strongly urged them to respond to the feedback that I have had from across the Trumpington Ward that a presence is required as often as possible throughout the neighbourhood."

It is not clear about the full nature of the incident, which police are investigating.

Parents however have claimed a pupil was attacked with a bike chain.

'I did not feel my child was in danger'

The attack happened in Hobson's Square (circled)

Trumpington Community College, a mixed secondary school which is based in Lime Avenue, Trumpington, has around 300 pupils.

It was officially opened in September 2015, and became an academy during the 2017/2018 academic year under multi-academy trust Cambridge Academic Partnership.

A parent, whose child goes to the school, said that despite unsolved concerns about problems outside the school, the continued communication from the school helped ease concerns.

They said: "My only comment would be about how pleased I was with the way the school acted so proactively to protect my child and all other children at the school.

"The communication was exceptional and not once did I feel that my child was in danger.

"The headmaster showed great professionalism and respect for all children and parents, and is a credit to the school."